Your Life Has Made a Difference – Greg Hasek’s MA/MFT comments

I love to use this song at the end of the counseling process. Many clients find it healing to name their child and do some form of memorial. At this stage of the healing process the client is beginning to understand and even believe that their child had meaning and purpose. They begin to see that their child’s life made a difference. They begin to get in touch with the fact that their pain has purpose and perhaps that purpose is to help others who have experienced abortion. I love to use this song almost as a “what next” for the client. How can this terrible thing that happened to you be a witness to others through their healing process? They now can use their testimony to help others who have experienced similar trauma and pain due to an abortion decision.

Allow the client to read the lyrics if they want before listening to the song. Suggest that eyes are closed while listening.

Discussion Points with Client

  1. What did you experience while listening to this song?
    • What did you think?
    • What did you feel?
  2. Help the client bring dignity to the life of their child. Consider some of these activities if you haven’t already done them during the healing program.
    • Have the participant name their child, get a sense of their child’s personality, even looks
    • Suggest the participant write a letter to their child or a poem or draw a picture.
  3. This song is about closure and what’s next. Describe how this process has been for you?
    • How are you different today from when you started your healing?
    • For those who are using this journal as part of an abortion healing support group, how are you different today then when you began your healing journey?

Your Life Has Made a Difference: Lyrics

Your Life Has Made a Difference
Words & Music by Gwen Smith & Steve Siler

You were real
You were here
My world changed forever
Because you lived and died
I was lost
Now I’m found
Your spirit is in Heaven
and cannot be denied

And so I give you a name
I light a candle in your honor
I will share the things you’ve taught me
and help others find their hope
I will tell the story
of a broken heart set free
And in everything I do become a witness
Your life has made a difference

You were flesh
You were soul
Something deep inside me
Transforming me with life
There was fear
Now there’s love
You’re forever with me
A never-ending light

So I lift up your name
Light a candle in your honor
I will share the things you’ve taught me
and help others find their hope
I will tell the story
of a broken heart set free
And in everything I do become a witness
Your life has made a difference

© Audio 31 Music (Administered by Music Services) / Sunday Best Music (Administered by Music Services) / ASCAP / Silerland Music (Administered by Clear Box) ASCAP